Paet: NATO-Russia co-operation in Afghanistan intensifying

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At the meeting of the NATO and Russian foreign ministers in Brussels, it was agreed that there are a great deal of areas in which NATO-Russia co-operation is growing closer. Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that these areas are improving the security situation in Afghanistan, the fight against terrorism and narcotics, and anti-piracy activities. There are also areas – such as missile defence – in which no visible progress has been made.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that co-operation between NATO and Russia can be strengthened primarily in practical areas. “NATO is preparing to end its military operation in Afghanistan (ISAF), and in connection with this there are many areas in which co-operation needs to be intensified, for example transit questions, restricting the spread of narcotics, and maintaining the stability of the region after the year 2014,” said Paet.

The foreign minister added that co-operation in the missile defence sector would be useful to both sides and called on Russia to accept NATO’s proposals.

The foreign minister confirmed that the matter of military exercises was also raised at the meeting, within the framework of which the principle of reciprocal transparency was emphasised.

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